Ever wondered who keeps the government in check? Meet judicial review! It's the power of the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, to examine laws and actions of the legislative and executive branches and determine if they're constitutional. Think of it as the Constitution's built-in safety mechanism.
If a law or action is deemed unconstitutional through judicial review, it's effectively struck down, preventing it from being enforced. This process ensures that no branch of government oversteps its boundaries and that fundamental rights are protected.
While not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the principle of judicial review was established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803). It's become a cornerstone of American law, playing a crucial role in shaping social policy and protecting individual liberties. Understanding judicial review is understanding a key ingredient in the checks and balances that make our government work (or, at least, try to!).
